A couple of the sounds that I really like
Are the sounds of a switchblade and a motorbike
I’m a juvenile product of the working class
Whose best friend floats in the bottom of a glass
My music library project wouldn’t be nearly complete without this Elton John classic rock – Saturday Nights Alright (For Fighting). It’s a shame this rowdy anthem for the weekend falls on a Monday here, but at least it will propel us in the right direction for the week ahead. This might be Elton John’s most lauded ‘rock’ song, carrying Crocodile Rock just one step further. It is a lively throwback to early rock and roll with a glam edge. Released in 1973 on his masterpiece (and best – selling) album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Saturday… became a staple for those looking to kick off their weekends with a bang.
The song was inspired by Bernie Taupin’s memories of his teenage years in particular, the fistfights in his local pub, the Aston Arms in Market Rasen. Taupin has said that the song was meant to be an American rock and roll song set in Britain. Taupin, known for his evocative and often introspective lyrics, took a different approach with this song. He recalled that a Saturday night out often meant more than just dancing—it meant a bit of chaos and, perhaps, a barroom brawl.
[Verse 1]
It’s getting late, have you seen my mates?
Ma, tell me when the boys get here
It’s seven o’clock and I wanna rock
Wanna get a belly full of beer
My old man’s drunker than a barrel full of monkeys
And my old lady, she don’t care
My sister looks cute in her braces and boots
A handful of grease in her hair
[Chorus]
Oh, don’t give us none of your aggravation
We had it with your discipline
Oh, Saturday night’s alright for fighting
Get a little action in
Get about as oiled as a diesel train
Gonna set this dance alight
‘Cause Saturday night’s the night I like
Saturday night’s alright, alright, alright, ooh
[Verse 2]
Well, they’re packed pretty tight in here tonight
I’m looking for a dolly who’ll see me right
I may use a little muscle to get what I need
I may sink a little drink and shout out, “She’s with me”
A couple of the sounds that I really like
Are the sounds of a switchblade and a motorbike
I’m a juvenile product of the working class
Whose best friend floats in the bottom of a glass
[Chorus]
[Guitar break]
[Chorus]
[Outro]
Elton John’s melody matched Taupin’s rough-and-tumble lyrics perfectly. It’s fast-paced, full of energy, and loud. The song kicks off with Davey Johnstone’s distorted guitar riff, immediately setting the tone for what’s to come—a no-holds-barred, rock ‘n’ roll party. Recorded in the Château d’Hérouville, the same French studio where Elton recorded several of his classic albums, the production captures the raw energy of the band. The track also features Elton’s signature piano playing, though it’s more percussive and driving here reminiscent of Jerry Lee Lewis perfectly blending with the rock-heavy arrangement.
The song quickly became a fan favorite during concerts, often appearing as a high-energy highlight in the setlist. Over the years, Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting) has been a constant in Elton’s live performances, proving its staying power. I have presented below the original studio release version, a fantastic live version of Elton and Anastasia at Madison Square Garden in 2000. My family and I wore out watching this DVD “Elton John One Night Only – The Greatest Hits“.
In the UK, the song entered the Music Week Top 50 the week of 7 July 1973, rose to No. 7, and stayed in the charts for 9 weeks and is one of John’s most critically and commercially successful singles in that country. In the US, the song entered the Billboard Top 40 the week of 11 August 1973, rose to No. 12.
Reference:
1. Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting – Wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
It was good to hear him do a rock song…he did it really well. I like this one along with that period a lot.
Yeh, he was on his ‘A game’. I would put ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ in my top 10 favourite albums.
I always thought it was his best one.
I agree it’s clearly his best one. I was in awe of it in my youth like I was Born to Run.
One of Elton John’s most high-energy songs for sure. I like that duet with him and Anastacia, whose raw vocals complement John’s quite nicely.
I’m glad you took the time listening to the live duet performance. That concert which is available on DVD is the ‘ants pants’. The only song I thought lacking was ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’ in which Kiki Dee clearly floundered.